Transporting The Vehicle; Notes On 4Matic Vehicles; Tow-Starting (Emergency Engine Starting) - Mercedes-Benz S-Class Operator's Manual

Towing and tow-starting
378
In order to ensure that the automatic
transmission stays in position N when towing
the vehicle, you must observe the following
points:
You must use the SmartKey instead of the
X
Start/Stop button (
Make sure that the vehicle is stationary and
X
the SmartKey in the ignition lock is in
position 0.
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
X
ignition lock.
Depress and hold the brake pedal.
X
Shift the automatic transmission to
X
position N.
Release the brake pedal.
X
Release the electric parking brake.
X
Leave the SmartKey in position 2 in the
X
ignition lock.
Switch on the hazard warning lamps
X
( page 140).
Y
i
In order to signal a change of direction
when towing the vehicle with the hazard
warning lamps switched on, use the
combination switch as usual. In this case,
only the indicator lamps for the direction of
travel flash. After resetting the
combination switch, the hazard warning
lamp starts flashing again.

Transporting the vehicle

! You may only secure the vehicle by the
wheels, not by parts of the vehicle such as
axle or steering components. Otherwise,
the vehicle could be damaged.
The towing eyes or trailer tow hitch can be
used to pull the vehicle onto a trailer or
transporter if you wish to transport it.
Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the
X
ignition lock.
Shift the automatic transmission to
X
position N.
page 171).
Y
As soon as the vehicle has been loaded:
Prevent the vehicle from rolling away by
X
applying the electric parking brake.
Shift the automatic transmission to
X
position P.
Turn the SmartKey to position 0 in the
X
ignition lock and remove it.
Secure the vehicle.
X

Notes on 4MATIC vehicles

! Vehicles with 4MATIC must not be towed
with either the front or the rear axle raised,
as doing so will damage the transmission.
Vehicles with 4MATIC may either be towed
away with both axles on the ground or be
loaded up and transported.
If the vehicle's transmission, front, or rear
axle is damaged, have the vehicle transported
on a truck or trailer.
In the event of damage to the electrical
system: if the battery is defective, the
automatic transmission will be locked in
position P. To shift the automatic
transmission to position N, you must provide
power to the vehicle's electrical system in the
same way as when jump-starting
( page 373).
Y
Have the vehicle transported on a transporter
or trailer.
Tow-starting (emergency engine
starting)
! Vehicles with automatic transmission
must not be tow-started. You could
otherwise damage the automatic
transmission.
i
Information on "Jump-starting"
( page 373).
Y